Archive for April 5th, 2010

This morning’s wake up call was nicely provided by NASA and the crew of Discovery, as it thundered into orbit just before dawn broke over the Florida horizon. I have seen a number of launches, even the luminous and beautiful night time variety, but this one was unique for perfect and gorgeously highlighted clouds and waking up everyone for miles with its sound.

Its not unusual to hear and feel the vibrations of the launch from miles away; from my vantage spot on the back porch I could hear all the windows rattling, distant car alarms sound off, and feel the pounding in my chest. For whatever reason, this morning Discovery really went off with a bang. A good friend of mine working a barn over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom (a good hour and fifteen minute drive) could still hear the roar of it over some of their loud cleaning equipment! Another buddy of mine – new to the area – was convinced at first he was experiencing an earthquake!

This of course makes me wonder what the manatees, alligators, great blue herons, indigo snakes, gopher tortoises, armadillos, owls, hawks, and tree frogs make of all this ruckus in their home habitats. Think their eyes pop open with fright and flee the area? Or do they react like many of the humans down here.. grumble a bit, turn over, and fall back to sleep?